Lamine Yamal thanks Barcelona legend during Kopa Trophy acceptance speech

Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has on Monday moved to reveal his appreciation for Blaugrana icon Xavi Hernández.

This comes after the 17-year-old secured his latest prestigious individual accolade.

Lamine, for his part, made his way to the Ballon d’Or ceremony this evening, after being nominated for both the ‘Golden Ball’, and Kopa Trophy.

The Spanish international came in 8th in the voting for the former, a remarkable achievement for a player of such tender years.

As expected, though, in the voting for the Kopa – handed out on an annual basis by France Football to the best performing player across world football aged 21 or younger – Lamine emerged on top.

The gifted winger beat out competition from the likes of Real Madrid starlet Arda Güler and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, to lift the award.

And, as alluded to above, whilst on the podium providing his acceptance speech, Lamine made use of the opportunity to send a message of gratitude to Barcelona legend Xavi.

Thanking his managers present and past, the youngster explained:

“Thanks to mister Luis (De la Fuente), to Xavi who was with me before, and Hansi (Flick) now.”

Conor Laird – GSFN